Vehicle Combatives: Efficient Draw & Exit Tactics for Left-Handed Shooters

 When it comes to close-quarters engagements in and around vehicles, every movement matters. Small inefficiencies can cost valuable time, and a single mistake can have serious consequences. At the Protector Summit, we covered key vehicle combatives techniques to help you manage your weapon, seatbelt, and exit strategy under pressure.

High-Ready vs. High-Port: Controlling Your Draw Stroke

One of the first considerations in a vehicle is how you draw your firearm without flagging yourself or passengers. Many shooters default to a low-ready or traditional draw stroke, but inside a confined space, this increases the risk of sweeping your own body or gear.

Instead, we focus on a high-ready or high-port position, which allows for a controlled, direct presentation of the firearm. Rather than bringing the gun up beside your head, it should be centered in front of your face so you can track your sights as you present forward. This positioning also prevents unnecessary movement that could get caught on the steering wheel or interior of the car.

When presenting to the target, focus on a controlled, deliberate extension, ensuring your sights stay aligned as you engage. A common mistake is allowing the support hand to drop too low, which can lead to unsafe positioning and reduced control.

Seatbelt Management for Left-Handed Shooters

For left-handed shooters like me, drawing the firearm with the left hand means the right hand must first clear the seatbelt, then manipulate the door, all while maintaining control of the firearm. Here’s the proper sequence:

1. Release the seatbelt using your right hand and pull it away from your gear toward the dashboard (passenger seat if driving). This prevents entanglement with your firearm and ensures a clean draw.

2. Maintain a high-ready position with your left hand while managing the belt with your right.

3. Use your right hand to work the door handle, not your left. This ensures your firearm remains ready for engagement.

4. Control the door by pinning it with your leg as you exit, preventing it from swinging back and trapping you.

5. Exit smoothly using your elbow to hook the B-pillar for additional stability while your left hand remains free to engage.

Breaking Bad Habits: Avoiding the “SUL Position” in High-Ready

One common issue we see is shooters attempting a high-ready position with SUL hand placement. The SUL position, often trained in low-ready drills, places the support hand across the chest, which can lead to dangerous muzzle positioning near the shooter’s own jawline when transitioning to high-ready. Instead, keep your firearm just below your eye line, allowing you to track your front sight without obstruction.

Another bad habit under stress is using the steering wheel as a brace when trying to exit the vehicle.

Training in Everyday Movements

The best way to refine these techniques? Incorporate them into your daily routine.

• Every time you exit your vehicle, practice your seatbelt management process.

• Train yourself to use the correct hand for door manipulation so it becomes second nature.

• Dry-run your draw stroke in a controlled setting to ensure efficiency and safety.

Final Thoughts

Vehicle combatives introduce a unique set of challenges that require precision, efficiency, and control. By understanding these concepts and training them regularly, you can eliminate wasted movement and maximize your reaction time in a high-stakes scenario.